Tyler Hopkins was Toronto's 86th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and invited to Team Canada's selection camp ahead of both Liam and Markus Ruck.
As Hockey Canada released their list of 32 invitees to World Junior selection camp on Monday, there were several top players chosen such as Caleb Desnoyers, as well as 2026 draft picks Carson Carels and Tynan Lawrence.
But so too was the Maple Leafs' 86th overall pick Tyler Hopkins, who managed to beat out some tough competition including both Ruck Brothers despite both of them putting up over 100-points each last season (Markus - 108, Liam - 104) as well as future teammate Gavin McKenna.
Both Liam and Markus were drafted this past summer as well, both going to Pittsburgh with Liam going in the first round with Markus following shortly after in the second round. One thing that could have edged Hopkins over the Ruck brothers is that he's 19, so having a year on them may factor in.
Tyler Hopkins earned a roster spot that elite production didn't guarantee
Though not as offensively potent as the Rucks, Hopkins offers a solid and versatile two-way game that is going to be crucial to Canada at both ends of the ice. He did have a solid season point wise with 50 points in 56 games (25 goals) with both the Guelph Storm and Kingston Frontenacs (after a mid-season trade), though his true strength lies in his defensive ability as well.
Modelling his game after Tampa Bay Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli, Hopkins prides himself on being a pesky defensive forward who can snatch possession in a heartbeat and find his teammates:
I try to look at Anthony Cirelli as a guy I kind of look up to. Kind of similar style, that 200-foot player that is a little bit flourishing offensively last year, and I think it's something that I'm trying to do as well in my game.
Considering that Cirelli is consistently in Selke conversations, and the comparisons don't stop there as Cirelli himself was a third-round pick (72nd overall, 2015) so if there's any hope for Hopkins - Cirelli is proof that a hard-working defensive game can open up many opportunities.
He's going to most likely be looked at as more of a penalty killer and fourth-line centre who drives possession and keeps opponents at bay while being able to add some offensive punch to the bottom-six.
Tyler Hopkins' roster selection proves that Toronto saw more than just a 50-point centre
Not everyone needs to be a flashy, highlight reel scorer and Canada already has plenty, so they're looking at Hopkins as someone who can do the dirty work and come out clean.
It's why Toronto drafted him in 2025 and for all intents and purposes, Brad Treliving scored a minor win with this one. For all his shortcomings in Toronto, he did end up drafting Hopkins and Hopkins has proven to the club that there's a great deal of potential waiting to be unlocked.
Giving him time to develop internationally on top of another year of growth is only going to give him more confidence, experience, and time to work on his game. Being part of Team Canada at the World Juniors is no small feat, and while it's not indicative of him making the NHL, with Cirelli as proof - he's got a real chance to fight for a spot in a year or two.
Now, just because Hopkins was chosen over the Rucks doesn't mean he suddenly leapfrogs to the top of the depth chart but it does mean that Canada values what Hopkins brings overall and want his defensive acumen alongside a list of offensive stars.
If Hockey Canada believes in Hopkins, then in due time the Maple Leafs and their fans are going to become believers as well.
Will Tyler Hopkins make the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2027-28?
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